Offering a Hand in the Heat: Essential Support for Austin's Unhoused Community This Summer

What to Give A Homeless Person In Summer Austin. Austin, Texas, renowned for its vibrant culture and progressive spirit, also grapples with a significant challenge: a growing unhoused population. As the scorching Texas summer descends, the daily struggles faced by those experiencing homelessness intensify dramatically. Extreme heat, often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, poses severe health risks, making basic survival a daunting task. For those looking to help, knowing what to give, and how to give effectively, can make a tangible difference.

This blog post will provide crucial information on what to give homeless people in Austin during the summer, detail what to include in a thoughtful care package, and highlight how local initiatives like Art From the Streets (AFTS) play a vital role in supporting this vulnerable community.

The Immediate Dangers of Summer for the Unhoused

Living unsheltered in Austin during the summer is not just uncomfortable; it's life-threatening. The primary concerns include:

• Dehydration and Heat Stroke: Without consistent access to water, shade, and cooling centers, individuals are highly susceptible to severe dehydration, heat exhaustion, and potentially fatal heat stroke.

• Sunburn and Skin Damage: Prolonged exposure to intense UV radiation without protection can lead to severe sunburn, increasing the risk of skin cancer and infections.

• Foot Problems: Walking on hot pavement, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and lack of hygiene can lead to blisters, infections, and other severe foot injuries.

• Pest Infestations: Higher temperatures can increase the presence of insects and other pests, leading to bites and potential diseases.

• Food Spoilage: Keeping food safe becomes incredibly difficult without refrigeration, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Homeless Items Needed During Summer in Austin: Prioritizing Basic Needs

When thinking about what to offer, prioritize items that directly address the immediate dangers of heat and promote hygiene.

Hydration is Paramount:

• Bottled Water: This is the single most critical item. Always offer cold water if possible.

• Electrolyte Drinks: Pedialyte, Gatorade, or other sports drinks can help replenish essential salts lost through sweating. Individual powder packets are also excellent as they can be added to water.

• Reusable Water Bottles: While bottled water is essential for immediate relief, a durable, insulated reusable water bottle can be invaluable for them to refill at water fountains or outreach centers.

Protection from the Elements:

• Sunscreen: High SPF sunscreen is crucial for preventing severe sunburn. Small, travel-sized tubes are ideal.

• Hats: Wide-brimmed hats offer significant protection for the face and neck. Baseball caps are also helpful.

• Light-Colored Clothing: New or gently used light-colored T-shirts, shorts, and light long-sleeved shirts (for sun protection) made of breathable fabrics (cotton is good).

• Cooling Towels: These towels stay cool when wet and can provide instant relief around the neck or head.

• Small, Lightweight Umbrellas: Can offer personal shade on the go.

Hygiene and Comfort:

• Wet Wipes/Baby Wipes: Excellent for quick clean-ups when showers are unavailable.

• Hand Sanitizer: Essential for basic hygiene.

• Travel-Sized Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, deodorant, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.

• Lip Balm with SPF: Protects against sun-chapped lips.

• Insect Repellent: Small bottles of bug spray or repellent wipes.

• New Socks: Clean, dry socks are vital for foot health and preventing blisters. Cotton is preferable.

• Band-Aids and Antiseptic Wipes: For minor cuts and blisters.

• Feminine Hygiene Products: Always needed and often overlooked.

Food (Non-Perishable and Easy to Eat):

• Protein Bars/Granola Bars: High-energy, non-perishable options.

• Individual Bags of Nuts/Trail Mix: Good source of protein and healthy fats.

• Crackers/Peanut Butter Crackers: Easy to eat and shelf-stable.

• Fruit Cups (in juice, not syrup): Provide some hydration and vitamins.

• Jerky: High in protein.

• Canned Goods with Pull-Tabs: If they have access to a can opener, but pull-tabs are best.

• Hard Candy/Mints: Can help with dry mouth.

Care Packages Checklist

Creating care packages is an organized way to provide multiple essential items. Here’s a comprehensive checklist for a summer care package:

• Hydration: 2-3 bottles of water, 1-2 electrolyte drink packets/bottles, 1 reusable water bottle.

• Sun Protection: Sunscreen (travel-sized), wide-brimmed hat, light-colored T-shirt.

• Hygiene: Wet wipes, hand sanitizer, bar of soap, small shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm with SPF, new pair of socks.

• First Aid (Mini): A few Band-Aids, antiseptic wipes.

• Food: 2-3 protein/granola bars, small bag of trail mix or nuts, fruit cup with pull-tab.

• Miscellaneous (Optional but thoughtful): Small cooling towel, small pack of tissues, comb/brush, small flashlight, note with encouraging words.

• Bag: Use a sturdy, reusable bag (like a drawstring backpack or canvas tote) that can be used again.

How to Distribute Care Packages Ethically in Austin

• Connect with Outreach Organizations: Many Austin-based organizations (like Art From the Streets, Front Steps, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, ECHO, Caritas of Austin) have established outreach programs. Donating items directly to them or volunteering with their distribution efforts ensures items reach those who need them most efficiently and safely.

• Respect and Dignity: When interacting directly, always approach individuals with respect, kindness, and dignity. Ask if they would like the items, rather than simply handing them over.

• Safety First: Be mindful of your own safety. If you feel uncomfortable approaching individuals directly, partner with an established outreach group.

• Avoid Cash: While well-intentioned, cash can sometimes be used for things that aren't helpful. Tangible goods are often a more direct way to provide support. Gift cards to fast-food places or grocery stores can be an alternative.

Art From the Streets: More Than Just Art Supplies

This is where Art From the Streets (AFTS), a prominent Austin-based non-profit, provides a unique and powerful layer of support. While not a direct provider of immediate survival necessities like water or food, AFTS addresses a profound need that is often overlooked for those experiencing homelessness: dignity, purpose, community, and mental well-being.

• Creative Outlet & Therapeutic Space: AFTS provides a safe, welcoming studio environment where unhoused individuals can engage in artistic expression. This acts as a vital therapeutic outlet, helping them process trauma, reduce stress, and find a sense of calm amidst chaos.

• Building Community & Reducing Isolation: Loneliness and isolation are pervasive issues for the unhoused. AFTS fosters a strong community among its artists and volunteers, providing social connection, peer support, and a sense of belonging. This community aspect is especially crucial during the summer when many support services might be strained.

• Economic Opportunity & Empowerment: AFTS artists are able to sell their artwork, with 95% of the proceeds going directly back to them. This provides crucial income, fosters self-reliance, and instills a sense of pride and accomplishment. During summer, when other work opportunities might dwindle due to heat, this income can be particularly vital for buying necessities.

• Advocacy & Awareness: By showcasing the talent and humanity of unhoused artists, AFTS helps to break down stigmas and raise public awareness about the realities of homelessness in Austin. This encourages greater understanding and support from the broader community, leading to more comprehensive solutions.

In essence, while direct aid like water and hygiene supplies addresses immediate physical needs, organizations like Art From the Streets address the equally vital human needs for purpose, connection, and dignity. They remind us that supporting the unhoused community means caring for the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.

This summer, as Austin heats up, consider how you can contribute. Whether through a thoughtfully prepared care package, volunteering with outreach groups, or supporting organizations like Art From the Streets, your efforts can bring much-needed relief and a ray of hope to those most vulnerable in our community.